Why Sex Is So Important In A Relationship
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We read an article from Well+Good the other day and it really made a lot of sense to us. The title, "6 REASONS WHY SEX IS IMPORTANT IN A RELATIONSHIP" has, what seems, very obvious answers, but their reasons left us thinking and shaking our heads in agreement long after we finished reading.
They point out that sex is not as important for every relationship, like maybe you want to wait a certain amount of time before doing it or are asexual, so it's mutually unimportant or undesired. But for those who do enjoy having sex in their relationship, they give six reasons why it's beneficial and necessary to do so. Here's what they had to say:
1. It gives you an emotional high
"Here’s how it works: Sex releases dopamine in the brain, which increases your ambition and sense of happiness; testosterone, which improves your performance at work; and endorphins, which reduce your stress level and minimize pain. “All of these hormones together play a complex role in human pair-bonding and are essential in maintaining the glue of a relationship,” says psychologist and relationship expert Danielle Forshee, PsyD."
2. Sex can help relieve stress
"By now, you’ve probably tried the de-stressing staples: deep-breathing, massages, hot baths, and even hotter yoga. But why not add sex to the mix? 'Sex releases oxytocin into the bloodstream, which promotes relaxation and stress relief,' says Francis. 'And oxytocin also combats cortisol, the main stress hormone,' says Schewitz."
"In fact, researchers have found that sex is similar to eating pleasurable “comfort food” in its ability to reduce tension by stimulating the brain’s reward system. And orgasm isn’t necessary to reap the benefits: Your body releases oxytocin after only 20 seconds of skin-to-skin contact, so any sort of physical touch is beneficial."
3. It can boost your confidence
"Sex may not give you an automatically turn your BDE levels all the way up to Rihanna, but 'it can be an incredibly confidence-boosting, body-loving moment for some people,' says Francis. 'Most of us have some degree of insecurity, whether it be something about our physical body or not. But being validated by someone that we love and trust can help build confidence.'"
4. You’ll both get a better night’s sleep
"In addition to increasing oxytocin and decreasing cortisol, sex also improves your sleep because you release a hormone called prolactin when you orgasm. This chemical can lead to deeper sleep and more time in the REM stage—the part of the sleep cycle when your brain and body are re-energized and your dreams occur."
5. The intimacy extends beyond the bedroom
"'[Sex creates] an intimacy feedback loop,' says Cleman. 'The more intimacy you have in the bedroom, the more intimacy you’ll have outside the bedroom, and vice versa.' Research backs this up. A series published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that sex predicts affection and affection, in turn, predicts sexual activity."
6. Post-sex cuddles are the best
"Getting all snuggly-wuggly with your boo is not only one of the greatest parts of the relationship for some people (it’s like a blanket burrito, but better), it can also make your relationship stronger. A study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that kissing and cuddling after sex leads to a more satisfying and happier relationship. (Oxytocin FTW, again). But of course, to reap those post-sex benefits, the sex has to come first."
See what we mean? Aren't these all pretty spot on? Loved Gabrielle Kassel's honesty in this article. Do you have any (PG rated) reasons that you would add to the list? We would probably add that it absolutely helps in getting over a pointless argument.
What would you add?
(Article written by Gabrielle Kassel and shared from Well+Good)
